FAQs
What is Manuka honey?
The name for Manuka honey derives from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which is indigenous to New Zealand.4 In the summer months of December and January, bees pollinate the flowers of the Manuka bush and take the nectar back to their hives to create Manuka honey.1
Aesthetically it's easy to spot the difference between normal and Manuka honey, mainly because of its colour and consistency. Regular honey is yellow or orange in colour and is usually runny and transparent. In comparison, Manuka honey has a thicker consistency and is more orangey brown.
More chemically speaking, Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural substance responsible for the antibacterial properties of honey.
What are the benefits of Manuka honey?
Raw honey, like raw manuka honey, has long been traditionally used and has many advantages.5
Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it its potential antibacterial properties.2 In regular honey, these effects are lost; however, in Manuka honey, its antibacterial properties remain.6,7,8
Highly versatile, Manuka honey has so many uses, most likely because so many well-being benefits are associated to it. From moisturising properties to helping with soothing a sore throat, the
possible benefits of manuka honey are extensive.
1 Although, more robust research is needed to determine the medicinal effects of manuka honey.
How do I know I'm buying real Manuka honey?
If you're looking to buy Manuka honey online, you'll want to make sure you're buying the best, genuine Manuka honey from a brand you trust.
At Holland & Barrett, we adopted strict approved standards in 2018 to ensure our customers buy genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey. All of our
Manuka honey products are tested in New Zealand under government guidelines.
9 This testing ensures that customers get the purest, genuine and official Manuka honey, guaranteeing that the MGO strength is transparently presented.
You'll also be able to tell whether it’s genuine Manuka honey by looking out for certified labels. Different numbers on the label represent each Manuka honey's different qualities.
Manuka honey, with a 10+ or higher certified UMF rating or an MGO of 300 and above, is considered the best quality. Understanding what these numbers mean can be tricky, so we've broken everything down in our
Manuka honey guide.
For all other honey varieties, we ask our suppliers to meet Good Manufacturing Processes in quality, traceability, and taste, to ensure everything on our shelves is of the highest standard.
Who should avoid Manuka honey?
If you're considering trying Manuka honey, it's important to keep a few things in mind.
Although Manuka honey has many potential benefits, it could cause an allergic reaction if you suffer from a bee or pollen allergy.10 Also, consuming large quantities of honey could lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, as honey is a form of sugar.11
Additionally, some forms of Manuka honey are pasteurised, so it's recommended to avoid giving it to children under the age of one.12
If you have any concerns about whether Manuka honey is suitable for you, it's always best to consult a medical professional for advice.